English Name : Darkfin hind
Local Name : Kanfaiy kalhu faana Size : Max. 28 cm
Family : Order : Specimen :
SERRANIDAE Perciformes MRS/0102/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 14-16 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 rays. Pectoral fin with 17-19 rays. Body depth 2.7-3.3 in standard length. Lateral-line scales 54-68. Preopercle rounded, finely serrate; lower edge fleshy. Subopercle and interopercle usually smooth. Pectoral fins distinctly longer than pelvic fins. Pelvic fins, not reaching anus.
Colour: Reddish brown, darker posteriorly. Body sometimes with small pale spots. Pectoral, anal rear parts of dorsal and caudal fins dusky. Two dark spots usually present at the tip of lower jaw.
Habitat and Biology: Coral reef species that is usually seen in outer reef areas, but also in lagoons, back reefs and on the reef top at depths of 1-60 m. Feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Juveniles of Cephalopholis urodeta are sometimes exported as aquarium fish. This species in the Pacific Ocean differs from the Indian by having two oblique white bands in the caudal fin.